What Exercises Should Be Avoided With Scoliosis?

Exercise is a crucial part of managing scoliosis. This condition results in an abnormal curvature of the spine, which impacts your ability to engage in physical activities and often leads to questions about safe exercises.

Scoliosis can range from mild to severe, and the curve of your spine can determine which exercises will and won’t benefit you. Explore which exercises to avoid or approach with caution when you have scoliosis. Remember to work closely with a healthcare professional for personalized exercise recommendations.

High-Impact Exercises

High-impact exercises, such as running, jumping, or high-impact aerobics, include jarring movements that may be too intense on the spine. The uneven wear on the vertebrae from high-impact exercise can exacerbate existing misalignments from scoliosis.

The key is to find the right balance for your scoliosis. Low-impact cardio, such as walking or swimming, can offer the benefits of aerobic activity without as much stress on the spine. Always have good posture during these activities to avoid overcompensating and putting additional strain on your back.

Twisting, Rotational Movements

Twisting or rotational movements can place uneven stress on the spine and worsen the curvature. Use caution when approaching exercises that significantly twist or rotate the spine, such as intense yoga poses or exercises that involve trunk rotation.

By avoiding these movements, you can prevent the spine’s curve from worsening and stop muscle imbalances. Practice twisting movements slowly and mindfully, ensuring you stretch and strengthen both sides of the body.

Exercises Favoring One Side of the Body

Scoliosis can often cause the spine to shift to one side, and exercises that target one side of the body can exacerbate this imbalance. For example, when performing single-arm or single-leg exercises, give attention to both sides of the body in order to improve musculoskeletal balance. However, you can perform asymmetrical exercises with a therapist’s guidance to target the weaker side of your body and create a more balanced physical structure.

Exercises That Risk Injury

Certain exercises pose higher injury risks than others, especially if you have scoliosis. For instance, heavy weightlifting without proper form, such as not holding your spine in a neutral position, can lead to injury. Your risk of injury increases because your spine is already under more strain and is less capable of handling improper form.

Approach exercises that compress the spine, like heavy squats or deadlifts, with caution. You should only perform them with a professional trainer who can check your form and help you modify your workout to reduce the risk of injury.

Managing scoliosis through exercise is all about being mindful of the way you move. By avoiding certain exercises that negatively impact scoliosis, you can find safer and more effective ways to stay active and maintain a good quality of life. If you have scoliosis, consult a physical therapist or a healthcare professional to curate an exercise routine that suits your needs. Scroth exercise equipment can assist your low-impact, scoliosis-friendly exercises, whether you practice them at home or a physical therapy clinic. Browse Scroth equipment at Beyond Balance for your home gym or physical therapy office today.